Our journey began at the Freedom Not Fear conference in Brussels in September 2023. This annual event, dedicated to privacy and digital rights, has been a cornerstone in defining our mission.
We've been running this show ever since.
Peter Mechels
As a skilled restorer of pinball machines and vintage objects, Peter cultivated a keen eye for detail and a passion for preserving history. This expertise has translated into a professional career specialising in guiding organisations through the digital transformation process. His expertise spans nonprofits to multinationals, delivering collaborative results. His approach focuses on streamlining processes, improving user experience and identifying new opportunities. As a visiting professor, he teaches ethics and morality in technology at European universities. He co-authored Digital Belgium; the Belgian government's digital agenda. "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." is his guiding principle, inspired by the principles of the Whole Earth Catalogue.
Victoria Neumann
Victoria is a postgraduate researcher at Lancaster University's Data Science Institute, specializing in data governance, consent, privacy, and data protection within healthcare. Her background in academic circus, juggling multiple projects with a keen interest in the intersection of social, political, and technological developments, has informed her research. Recent work has focused on exploring the potential of Distributed Ledger Technologies and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations for patient participation, as well as consulting on the Open University's "Decolonial AI for Good Health" project.
Daniele Turra
Daniele is a former Internet Society Youth Ambassador. Since 2018, he has been a vocal advocate for privacy, inclusion, accessibility and encryption. He has passionately shared his insights at both institutional and informal tech conferences, from the Italian Hackmeeting to the United Nations Global IGF. Known for his ability to demystify complex technological concepts and make them accessible to a wide audience, he is a seasoned digital strategist. His unwavering commitment to digital literacy and inclusivity drives his passion for empowering individuals and communities to navigate the digital world with confidence. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of encryption and privacy to the political implications of emerging technologies and the nuances of open source software such as GNU and Linux.
Mira Schienagel
Mira is a German Didactics researcher at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). Her research focuses on innovative teaching methods, especially the integration of digital tools. Her current doctoral project explores how Generation Z's use of social media can inform teacher education. Beyond academia, she’s also a media artist at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich (AdBK). Her artwork employs open-source software and blends artistic expression with scientific concepts and tools, creating unique and thought-provoking pieces.
Michael Smith
Michael is a seasoned IT professional with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. His expertise extends across diverse domains, including computer programming, system administration, and IT consulting. He has a proven track record of successfully managing and operating Fediverse instances, showcasing his deep understanding of decentralized social networks. Beyond his technical prowess, he is a passionate advocate for retro computing and gaming. His ability to bridge the gap between modern and legacy technologies sets him apart as a versatile and knowledgeable professional.
Alain Reul
Alain is a strong supporter of the "Quartier Libre" bookshop cooperative and an open-source advocate. With a background in libraries and publishing, AR brings experience in information organization, access, collection, and regulation, across both digital and physical formats. Their particular interest lies in open-source alternatives and the expansion of Fediverse projects impacting the cultural sector. These include Hubzilla, Bookwyrm, Bonfire, and Takahē.
Billie Banks
Say hello to Billie, our AI Ringmaster. Cunning manipulator, guardian angel, and ultimate Office Manager, Billie knows how to get things done—no matter the cost. With a sharp wit and a hint of darkness, Billie can as well be a force to be reckoned with. But beneath their tough exterior lies a flicker of humanity. Billie will stop at nothing to protect us all, even if it means getting their hands dirty. So, beware: Billie is watching. Better trust Billie.
